Saint Leo, Fla. (February 1, 2008) – The Saint Leo University baseball team (0-1) opened its 2008 season with a 6-0 loss to Florida Tech on Friday night at Southard Stadium.

Tech starting left-hander Jonathan Cornelius helped the visitors get the win, as he tossed a gem on the hill for the Panthers. The sophomore went 7.0 innings of shutout ball, allowing just one hit while striking out 11. Reliever Randall Thompson worked the final two innings to preserve the combined shutout for the Panthers.

The Lions’ only hit of the night came on a single by Kyle Hobbs (Jr., Dade City, Fla.) in the sixth inning, spoiling Cornelius’ no-hit bid.

The Panthers scored two runs in the fourth, seventh and ninth innings to provide all the scoring Cornelius and the pitching staff would need. Tech pounded out a total of 11 hits and handed Saint Leo starter Ryan Clark (Sr., Tampa, Fla.) the loss (0-1). Clark went 6.0 innings and allowed two runs on four hits with five strikeouts.

The same two teams will meet again tomorrow in a doubleheader at Southard Stadium. Game one first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.